It wont crank at all. New battery, new alternator?

FLOWTRA5438

MEMBER
1994 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
181,000 MILES

Sometimes my truck will start easily and sometimes it will not. It will turn and turn but not fire off. In the past I have been able to walk away and return later and it would crank. Now it wont crank at all. New battery, new alternator, new battery cables, new fuel pump and relay. All grounds have been cleaned and checked. Also when it does run it smells of gas from exhaust. Could this be my mass air flow or O2 sensor? The mass looks beat to hell anyway.

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

It should start even if mass is beat like you say. Check the fuse in the under hood fuse box and starter relay near the battery probably the relay is bad

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Tuesday, January 27th, 2015 AT 3:18 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,526 POSTS

To me it sounds like the starter motor is going out but to be sure lets go over this video and I have included how to change the starter motor out in case you need it in the images below.

https://youtu.be/6YRW8fyNudY?si=n1lwLmKwmG3jFFF3

and this guide can help you test for power at the starter trigger to further confirm the starter failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

WARNING: WHEN SERVICING STARTER MOTOR OR PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE IN THE AREA OF THE STARTER MOTOR, NOTE THE HEAVY GAUGE INPUT LEAD CONNECTED TO THE STARTER SOLENOID IS HOT AT ALL TIMES. MAKE SURE THE PROTECTIVE CAP IS INSTALLED OVER THE TERMINAL AND IS REPLACED AFTER SERVICE.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Disconnect starter cable and push-on connector from starter solenoid.

CAUTION: When disconnecting hard-shell connector at S terminal, grasp the plastic shell and pull off. Do not pull on wire. Be careful to pull straight off to prevent damage to the connector and S terminal. If any part of the connection is damaged, replace the damaged components.

4. Remove upper bolt.
5. Remove lower bolt.
6. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Position starter motor to engine and install upper and lower bolt finger-tight.
2. Tighten the upper bolt to 22-28 Nm (16-21 Lb-Ft).
3. Tighten the lower bolt to 22-28 Nm (16-21 Lb-Ft).
4. Connect connector on starter solenoid. Be careful to push straight on and make sure connector locks in position with a notable click or detent.
5. Install starter cable nut to terminal. Tighten to 11-13 Nm (91-122 Lb-In).
6. Replace red safety cap.
7. Lower vehicle to floor.
8. Connect battery ground cable.

NOTE: When the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to relearn the strategy.

Please let us know what happens.